ESTA: Apply for your Travel Authorization

The ESTA is an Electronic System for Travel Authorization of the United States of America for travel to the USA. It was introduced by the Department of Homeland Security in January 2009. Citizens of participating countries in the VWP (Visa Waiver Program) can use the online ESTA application to travel to the USA for tourist or business purpose up to 90 days. The application permission form is available online and must be applied at least 72 hours prior to departure.

How long is the ESTA valid?

After a positive application, a US-ESTA has a validity of 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. During this period, you can enter and leave the country several times for a maximum of 90 days. Note: If you enter and leave the country at unnatural intervals, you may be refused entry despite a valid ESTA.

Is a US-ESTA a visa?

It is often claimed, that an ESTA is a visa. No - the electronic entry permit is not a visa.

How much does the ESTA application cost?

The US-ESTA costs 14 dollars and - depending on the credit card company - another 1 to 3 GBP. The 14 dollars include the fees for Border Control and the processing fee. If you submit your ESTA application through us, our service will cost a total of 32,40 GBP with all fees included.

Is the ESTA form free of charge?

Since 2011 the ESTA registration is no longer free of charge. Most of the revenue from the electronic immigration system goes to US tourism advertising.

I have already applied for an ESTA, where do I see the status?

If you would like to check the validity status of a prior ESTA or the status of your current registration please click - here - .

Can I update my ESTA application?

Briefly - yes, there are some data that can be updated or corrected afterwards. Please take notice of which data can be changed at the following paragraph.

Which part of your ESTA application can be changed and which part you cannot change posterior

E-mail address

Address in the USA (optional)

The US contact address must not be updated. There is, however, the possibility in case of doubt to fill out a further form on the plane, ship or at the port of entry (US Point of contact). Also changes of the home address or of the employer do not have to be changed, these can be updated at the port of entry.

In which cases a new ESTA application must be submitted?

Should one of the following events occur after the positive application, the traveler must submit a new application.

Your address has changed

Your surname has changed, e.g. due to marriage

The passport has expired in the meantime

You've committed a documented crime

Your citizenship has changed, or you have an additional citizenship

Gender has changed

One of the additional questions on the application form now must be answered with YES

How far before the start of the journey should the ESTA application be made?

It is compulsory that you apply for your ESTA online at least 72 hours before departure. All travelers who have more time before the start of the journey are advised to make an early application. In case of a rejection of the ESTA application, there will be enough time to apply for a full visa at a US Embassy.

How fast do I get my ESTA?

As a rule, we deliver the ESTA approval within 24 hours during workings days. Since 2019, however, the US authorities have required an application at least 72 hours before the start of the trip.

Can I only submit my ESTA application online?

Do children also need an ESTA approval?

Children also need an electronic ESTA Permit.

What can be done if the ESTA application has been rejected?

When transferring the data, our employees pay attention to typical input errors (e.g. first and last name swapped, date of birth 1860 instead of 1960, etc.). But even if everything seems to be correct and there is no obvious reason for a rejection, it can happen that an ESTA application will be rejected. In case of a rejection of the ESTA application we will help you. Normally, if you have enough time before departure, you can apply for a visa at the US Embassy.

Which countries may participate in the VWP (US Visa Waiver Program) program?

Citizens of the following countries are entitled to participate in the electronic entry procedure (or also known as VWP - Visa Waiver Program):